Councilman Meitzner will present an overview of Kansas passenger rail service and its economic impact on the city of Wichita at the January 14, WIBA monthly luncheon. He will present points on why this is an important matter to discuss now and why this is the right, or wrong, time for it.

Pete Meitzner is a lifelong resident of Wichita, attending Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School and graduating from Wichita State University with a degree in Business Administration and Economics emphasis.

Meitzner has brought his business experience to the city council. His experience has given him the budgeting and community knowledge that is a necessary for keeping our City moving in a positive and responsible direction. His previous business history allowed him to work closely with numerous State, County and City governments all over the U.S. which has provided him firsthand knowledge and insight for his position on the city council.

The luncheon will be held at the Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita St., from 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Reservations are required by Friday, Jan. 10. Reservations and payment can be made online at www.wiba.org, by calling the WIBA office at 316-201-3264 or my emailing membership@wiba.org.

Pay at door with check, cash or credit card or; you can register and pay online through our web site (http://www.wiba.org/WIBACalendar/); or through the emailed luncheon announcement you receive each month.

Chairman's Column

The Power of Small Business

Let's Look at the Numbers

The positive impact of small business is a fact that is often overlooked by the mainstream media. Over 55 million people work for small businesses in the United States. And there are over 27.8 million businesses that are small (500 or less workers). That is an amazing 99.7% of employers that are classified as small businesses.

And while you often read in the newspaper about the jobs that large employers are generating,, but 55% of all jobs and 66% of all net new jobs in the United States since the 1970s have been generated by small businesses. The number of small businesses in the United States has increased 49% since 1982. This recovery is different in that large companies are growing while smaller companies, which usually lead the way out of recessions, are not. Small business is the economic engine that drives our economy!

There is, however, a cost of being small. It cost small businesses 364% more to comply with environmental regulations than large firms. And businesses with less than 20 employees, which make up the majority of our WIBA membership, have to spend 36.5% more on regulatory compliance per employee than larger businesses. Further, small business owners pay 18% more than larger businesses for the same group healthcare. And to further compound the burden placed on small business they pay more than three times per employee on tax compliance than big business.

As a member of WIBA, you are part of the organization that is the voice of small business. Please use our educational seminars, numerous networking activities, and opportunities to interface with top business and political leaders, or our powerful lobbying efforts to stay informed about issues that impact your business. Get involved with WIBA because small business really counts!

The January educational seminar will be held as a three-part series on successive Wednesdays. Each session will be held at the WIBA offices, 200 E. 1st St., Ste. 101, from Noon - 1:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per session.

Attend one or all three. Pick what works for you!

This is a "bring your own brown bag" affair. Reservations are required and can be made online, by calling the WIBA office at 316-201-3264 or by emailing membership@wiba.org.

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